Anybody ever go? I'm excited about my first full season of ice climbing and this festival seems to be a good kick off offering courses and the ability to test drive some gear. Planning on going to Munising but Sandstone is nearly 2 months earlier.

I went for Friday last year.
Took the beginner's class, which was fun. Turns out I'm pretty awful at ice climbing, but others fared much better, and it was fun regardless. I didn't camp, though I may this year, and try give it another go.
Good food at The Gaslight after. Good people too.

Hi I have been to the festival since its inception. I normally teach some of the clinics and camp at the park during the festival.

It is a fun atmosphere and there are a lot of chances to climb and learn. Gear to demo and, there is a good party normally on Friday nights, and SAturdays of the festival. It is fun to go and meet people.

The ice is very dependent on the season and the conditions. Last year was one of the thinnest years... so there were a lot more harder routes than the easier fat routes. Mixed climbing in the park if good and some are quite challenging.

Camping is free, but it is also very cold, but there are normally bonfires and the good ol' alcohol flowing and that seems to numb things out.

Feel free to contact me for further info ...

It would be cool to see some people from this forum there!

I normally do not post anything here, but check once or so a week for updates and see some photos.

The year before last I won this pack in the drawing. I participated in one of the classes (beginners) and just hung out. It was a good time. If I recall, last year it was frickin cold but prior years they have battled warm weather.

Sandstone Icefest is always a good time. No pretention whatsoever, and I like the routes. Locals are friendly and often come to watch and participate. The free camping is great, but you've got to be a crazy Minnesotan who's been winter camping forever to actually enjoy it. (seems like it gets extra cold in the canyon) Gear demos have always seemed to work out well in the past. I should mention that there really are no route's easier then WI3 that form up at Sandstone, so you will be in for a workout. If you've never climbed ice before, make sure to sign up for a clinic, as this will guarantee you get time on the easy routes. If you do climb ice, you can usually climb throughout the day on the many ropes that get placed on harder WI4 and mixed climbs. Speaking of mixed climbs, Sandstone forms some really great thin and mixed routes that aren't overhanging, hardman-only pumpfests. Great fun!

Sandstone Ice Fest wrap-up
A big thanks to everyone who made it to the Sandstone Ice Festival. Climbers from as far away as Arkansas, Texas and Las Vegas showed up to climb in Sandstone MN.
This was the fifth year of the festival; Dawn Glanc was the guest speaker, there were some awesome sponsors, and there is a very good possibility of an ice park coming soon.

Having a world class athlete as the guest speaker was a new feature for the event. Dawn Glanc was great, she hung out all three days of the event, giving climbing tips and encouraging everyone tied to a rope. Her slide show was excellent and inspiring, covering the dream of a beginner to the winning of the 2009 Ouray Ice Festival.

As the Sandstone Ice Festival grows, so does the sponsors list. Demo gear showed up from Black Diamond, La Sportiva, Scarpa and Petzle. Ski Pulks were also made available by designer Ed Bouffard.Cozy, warm demo parks were provided by Mt Hard Ware.
Thanks to all the sponsors that donated goodies to the door prizes: Atomiks, Mad Rock, Redpoint Nutrition and all the other sponsors that added to the fun.
Thanks to Peace Coffee and Surly for providing beverage samples, and yes there was Darkness.

Even though the ice was thin this year, everyone was having a great time climbing and enjoying the winter. The community support of the festival is strong and steps are being made to make ice farming possible in the near future.